2013 NBA D-LEAGUE SHOWCASE RETURNING TO RENO TAHOE

The Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority (RSCVA) will host the ninth annual NBA Development League Showcase at the Reno Events Center. The 2013 Showcase, which will feature all 16 NBA D-League teams, will run from Jan. 7-10.

“This January, the eyes of the NBA will be on Reno,” said Reno Bighorns owner, Herb Santos, Jr. “For the second year in a row, Reno will roll out the red carpet for NBA team GMs and scouts as well as NBA D-League teams and fans from all over the United States. Basketball fans will be able to watch their favorite NBA D-League players display their skills and show why they are ready for the call to the NBA.”

Conceived prior to the 2004-05 season, the NBA D-League Showcase provides an opportunity for NBA D-League players and coaches to perform in front of NBA general managers, player personnel executives and scouts over four consecutive days at one location.

“We are excited to bring the basketball community back to Reno for this year’s NBA D-League Showcase,” Chris Alpert, NBA D-League Vice President of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel said. “While the event provides our players with a tremendous opportunity to compete in front of NBA scouts, it also highlights one of our great markets. The Bighorns did a fantastic job hosting the event last season, and the Reno Event Center is a great setting for the basketball community to see the caliber of talent in the NBA D-League first-hand.”

“Hosting the NBA Development League Showcase for the second year in row is a terrific honor for Reno Tahoe USA. Lucky residents and visitors will be able to watch talented athletes- many of whom will soon join top NBA teams- up close and personal,” said Christopher Baum, President & CEO of the Reno-Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority, adding, “We couldn’t be more excited about the Showcase returning to Northern Nevada.” The 2013 NBA D-League Showcase is estimated to generate direct, local economic impact in excess of $1 million.

CBS Sports Network hits the hardwood for its first season of NBA Development League coverage with two games from the NBA D-League Showcase. The two featured games will be on Jan. 7 as the Springfield Armor visits the Reno Bighorns (7:00pm, PT), and Jan. 8 as the Los Angeles D-Fenders takes on the Iowa Energy (7:00pm, PT). Additionally, CBS Sports Network will provide exclusive coverage of the NBA D-League 3-Point Shootout and the NBA D-League Slam Dunk Contest that will air on Thursday, Jan. 10 (4:00pm, PT).

Twenty percent of the players on 2012-13 NBA start-of-season rosters had NBA D-League experience, many of whom participated in an NBA D-League Showcase since its inception in 2005. During its eight-year history, more than 30 NBA D-League players have earned GATORADE Call-Ups from the NBA D-League to the NBA during or immediately after the NBA D-League Showcase; while an even larger number benefited from the exposure afforded them at the NBA D-League Showcase.

Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com/renobighorns, the Bighorns front office at (775) 853-8220, Silver Legacy Box Office and the Reno Events Center Box Office.